The Molecular Biology Laboratory at SINTEF combines modern instruments with broad expertise in the characterization and manipulation of genetic material. The activities also include bioprospecting, where we identify, map, and characterize microbiomes, new biological resources, enzymes, and bioactive molecules from various natural environments.
The extensive platform of equipment and digital tools provides great flexibility and makes it possible to integrate advanced sequencing technologies with bioinformatic analyses. The facilities are regularly updated with new equipment and technologies to ensure high quality research standards. The laboratory is approved for work with GMOs and NGRs (New Genetic Resources).
Molecular Biology Instruments
- Short-read sequencing: Illumina MiSeq
- Long-read sequencing: ONT PromethION and MinION
- PCR platform (PCR, qPCR, RT-PCR, and ddPCR)
- Capillary and gel electrophoresis: QIAxcel Connect, Pulsed Field Gel Electrophoresis (PFGE), ChemiDoc, DNA/RNA and protein gels
- Quantification and quality analysis with Qubit 4 fluorometer and DeNovix DS-11 FX+ spectrophotometer/fluorometer
- Electroporators for transformation
Equipment for Protein Production and Analysis
- Sonicator, TissueLyser, and other homogenization equipment
- Blotting equipment (Western, Southern)
Molecular Biology Methods
- DNA and RNA extraction from cells and environmental samples
- Cloning and manipulation of DNA
- In vitro transcription of RNA and quality control
- Translation assays and enzymatic activity measurements
- Studies of transcription in prokaryotes and eukaryotes
Digital and Bioinformatics Tools
- Analytical workflows for functional genomics
- Taxonomic microbiome analyses (OTU and ASV)
- Metagenomic analysis (short- and long-read data)
- Bioprospecting for novel enzymes and bioactive molecules
- Prediction of protein structure and modeling of protein–ligand interactions
Relevant projects
PlastiSpread, AMBIOS, MARBLES, Bluetools, DisinfectAMR, DOPPLER LC, TASETRA, SFI-IB, BioBIVE, EnXylaScope.